Graceful Reflection

This is the shot of the Port of Liverpool building reflected by the new Mann Island development that I entered in the Look 2011 Photography Festival 'Capture the City' competition.
It isn't one of the winners. It's currently on exhibition along with the 369 other entries in an outdoor gallery on Thomas Steers Way in the Liverpool One shopping centre. I took a look on Friday and saw that 7 other people had taken a shot of the same reflection (although none had used this view).
There's a very remote chance of a further prize in the people's selection - but only if a host of people vote for image number 217 - which you have to do in person at the Liverpool One information centre. I must admit that although there are some photos that I don't think are as good as mine, there are many that are far better - there's a shot of a woman in giant curlers that I think should have won.
At least I can say that I've had the first public gallery exhibition of my work!

Birthday Cake

This is my Birthday Cake. Yes it's a Peppa Pig one! (try watching Peppa Pig if you've never seen it - it isn't just aimed at children - spotted Peppa jumping in muddy puddles to the tune of Van Halen yesterday).

Thanks for all the Birthday greetings that I've had today via the various interweb social networks that I use.

I've had a great Birthday, a great weekend in fact.
RUSH at the MEN Arena on Thursday. Thai Restaurant on Saturday. I was allowed to open my main present day early (a new Kindle e-book reader). A day off work today (which is usually a good thing in itself) to see the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film. Now spending some Birthday money on amazon.co.uk

Tall Ship - Pelican of London

The other tall ships that arrived in the Mersey at the end of April have gone. This one appears to be staying for a while.

Photos Taken on a Lunchtime Walk

Sweetshop Lollies

Peace Monument - Chavasse Park

Park Ranger sculpture - Chavasse Park

Lifebelt and Lightship Prow - Albert Dock

RUSH - Manchester MEN Arena 19 May 2011

Drove through the Rush hour (literally) to see RUSH at the MEN Arena yesterday.
An excellent performance.
Geddy Lee said that they had brought too much music with them - with the Time Machine theme of whizzing around the years they treated us to a fine sample of their extensive back catalogue. Most of my favourites were covered, and it was great to hear the Moving Pictures album in it's entirety.
The future wasn't neglected either, with a yet to be released number and, of course, something from 2112.
Alex Lifeson's and Geddy Lee were on top form. I even enjoyed the inevitable Neal Peart drum solo - which was more musical than I've heard before.
The steampunk themed set and lighting rig was an entertainment in itself.
Lots of humour on the video screen and in jokes from the Road Crew on the stage - I'll not write any spoilers for anybody going to see it elsewhere, other than I kind of wish that I could afford a RASH T-shirt, as well as the one that I bought :)
As for the fans - mostly around my age or older, mostly blokes ("7 females at a RUSH concert, must be some kind of record"), all out to enjoy themselves, whether that meant watching the entire gig on a mobile phone screen (it's all over youtube today) or joining in the Prog Rock singalongs. RUSH colours were worn with pride. I spotted several people squeezed into the T-shirt they had bought when they were 15. There was also one chap who turned up dressed in a dalmation costume! (in tribute to the Signals album cover).
No support act, and a short interval - almost 3 hours of sheer joy.

Blind Busker

When I was younger I remember seeing a blind busker playing the accordion outside Fenwick's department store in Newcastle city centre.
This chap, who regularly performs on Church Street in Liverpool, reminds me of him - although his choice of instrument is somewhat different.

Don't Rain On My Parade

A very wet Scouts district church parade for Samwise this afternoon.

Four Seasons Gate - Spring

Statue of Spring - Four Seasons Gate at Calderstones Park.

You can see these and my Winter photos at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkdwarf/sets/72157626706583300/
See what I'm doing here? Just two more seasons to go for the full collection :)

Reflection

Port of Liverpool building reflected by the new Mann Island development.
I've entered a similar shot in the Look 2011 Photography Festival 'Capture the City' competition.

Tall Ships

Some tall ships have been in the Mersey for the past week.